Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are two issues on which I have a number of questions. The first issue is the discussion with Mr. Mario Draghi. All recent data suggest that the European economy is showing some strength but faces very early threats. There has been an uptake in growth and the deflationary pressure of the last two years seems to have been overcome. That means that this year is going to be an incredibly important one, particularly when it comes to European Central Bank policy in response to these developments. It is likely to end much of its market intervention activity, thereby pushing up the costs of public borrowing and weakening the balance sheets of major companies. Taking these things together, I believe there is every reason that the Taoiseach should convey Ireland's concerns and position on these matters to Mr. Draghi. While the ECB council is fully independent in setting policy, there are no rules to say the Taoiseach cannot actually convey our views to it. Has the Taoiseach expressed an opinion to Mr. Draghi on European Central Bank policy or has he remained silent? Has Ireland expressed its concern that no sudden actions be taken that might damage this still-fragile recovery across Europe? Given the past policy of our banks, an increase in interest rates is likely to have a major impact on borrowers here. Is the Taoiseach taking any actions in anticipation of rising interest rates?

With regard to the informal summit in Malta, the negotiations on Brexit will begin next week. I believe the Taoiseach has held bilateral meetings with about one third of the other leaders of the European Council. I would have thought that he would have held far more, given the gravity of the Brexit issue. I am not talking about conversational chats around the summit meetings. I am talking about formal bilaterals at which we can set out our concerns and priorities as a country. That is important. I put it to the Taoiseach that he needs to accelerate the levels of activity in conveying Ireland's key issues to the other EU Heads of State and Government, given the enormous impact of Brexit.

RTE reported last week that there is a widespread belief in Brussels that Ireland is complaining a lot in its analysis but is not coming up with concrete solutions or proposals. Is the Taoiseach in a position where he can bring forward concrete proposals from the Irish Government regarding the Brexit situation?

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